How I Built A $1.4 Million/Month AI App At Age 18
CNBC Make It
@cnbcmakeitAbout
At CNBC Make It, we want to help you get smarter about how you earn, save and spend your money. Join us. Get inspired. Make it.
Video Description
Zach Yadegari, 18, is the co-founder and CEO of Cal AI, a calorie-tracking mobile app that uses AI to analyze photos of food. The app launched in May 2024 and has been downloaded 8.3 million times as of July 2025. Now, Cal AI is a 30-person company that brings in roughly $1.4 million in gross profit per month — after the Apple and Google Play app stores take their respective cuts — according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Produced & Shot by: Valentina Duarte Senior Director of Video: Jessica Leibowitz Additional Camera: Natalie Rice Editor: Dennis Donovan Animator: Alisa Stern Senior Production Manager: Kathryn Mavrikakis Additional Footage: Zach Yadegari, Getty Images Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: http://cnb.cx/2kxl2rf Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Sign up today: https://cnb.cx/4nZtNrX About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money. Connect with CNBC Make It Online Get the latest updates: https://www.cnbc.com/make-it Find CNBC Make It on Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on threads: https://cnb.cx/threadsCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBCMakeIt #CNBC #CNBCMakeIt #howimadeit How I Built A $1.4 Million/Month AI App At Age 18
AI App Development Starter Kit
AI-recommended products based on this video
10.1 Inch Touch Portable Monitor IPS Screen 1366x768P 60Hz 400 Brightness 99% sRGB HDMI USB-C Monitors Switch for Xbox PS3/4/5 Laptop Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Mini Touch Screen
Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit for BBC micro bit (V2 Included), 316-Page Detailed Tutorial, 225 Items, 44 Projects, Blocks and Python Code
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App
The Pandy - Emotional Healing on Demand, Realistic Panda Plush for Emotional Support, Mimics Natural Movements for Realistic Comfort, Pandy Ai Plush with Ultra-Soft Fur, The Comfort Hug You Have
Yiupea Yiupea Baby Weaning Bib With Long Sleeves - Machine Washable & Waterproof Mess Proof Bibs 6-24 Months for Led Weaning, Coverall Feeding Bibs - Light Yellow
Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner Machine, Upgraded 45kHz Denture Cleaner for Mouth Guard Braces, Night Guards, Toothbrush Heads & Jewlery with 200ML, 4 Modes and Digital Timer Dental Cleaning Pod（White）
Bonsai Starter Kit – 1x Bonsai Tree | Complete Indoor Starter Kit for Growing Plants with Bonsai Seeds, Tools & Planters – Gardening Gifts for Women & Men
10 Herb Garden Planter Indoor Kit, 44pcs Complete Kitchen Herb Starter Set Including Burlap Pots, Markers, Soil Discs, Gardening Tools, Unique Easter/Birthday/Christmas Gift Ideas for Women, Mom
17 in 1 Complete Drinking Water Testing Kit - 100 Strips + 4 Bacteria Tests - Tap and Well Water Test Kit, Easy to Test and Read for Hardness, Lead, Iron, Fluoride, pH, Copper, Bacteria and More
Complete Canadian Curriculum 4 (Revised & Updated): A Grade 4 integrated workbook covering Math, English, Social Studies, and Science
soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, IPX5 Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App
AI Translation Earbuds Real Time with Audio and Video Calls, 164 Language/7 Translation Modes Translator Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 with APP, 50H Translate Ear Buds Device for Business/Learning/Travel
AI Translation Earbuds Real Time with Audio and Video Calls, 164 Language/7 Translation Modes Translator Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 with APP, 50H Translate Ear Buds Device for Business/Learning/Travel
Handheld Steam Cleaner for Home - Pressurized Handheld Steamer for Cleaning with High Pressure, Chemical-Free Multi-Purpose Portable Deep Steam Cleaner for Cleaning Windows, Couch(White)
Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner,15Kpa Powerful Suction and Spot Remover, Deep Stain Cleaning for Carpet, Pets, Stairs, Car Seat, Couch, with Dual Size BrushHead and Cleaning Solutions
